The Relationship Between Weight Training Self-Efficacy and Mood States

Background/Purpose: The purpose of the study was to investigate the relationship between weight training, mood states and self-efficacy.

Method: College students (n=181) were randomly assigned into four groups (high-intensity, moderate-intensity, low-intensity and control). The weight training programs included seven machine and free weight exercises. Subjects in weight training groups were asked to perform maximum repetition in the last set of each exercise. The control groups participated in a training program including studying and discussion of weight-training for the same amount of time as the training groups. Profile of Mood States (POMS) and self-efficacy were measured before and after training.

Analysis/Results: Univariate analysis showed that all subjects revealed significantly increased self-efficacy after training. Female subjects revealed significantly decreased mood disturbance, while male subjects revealed increased mood disturbance after training. The results of 2 x 2 x 4 mixed design MANOVA (gender by pre/post by groups) revealed that no significant difference was found among four training groups. Significant difference was found in the interaction of time by gender (p<.01), as well as time by groups (p<.05). Follow-up discriminant analyses indicated that male subjects revealed significantly higher pre-training self-efficacy, lower pre-training mood disturbance and higher post-training mood disturbance when compared with female subjects.

Conclusions: It was concluded that the alteration of self-efficacy and mood states may occur without physical activity. The psychological responses toward physical activities are different between genders.